Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that the wording has been amended to "closed to new recruits" because for a long time, many spokespersons said the Garda College was closed, which, of course, it was not. When they talk to us, gardaí demand assistance with the Garda Reserve regulations. It has not been able to recruit since 2017. I heard what the Minister said about legislative amendments. We attended the Phoenix Park today to receive a briefing on bodycams and facial recognition technology. This legislation is not going to distract from the real issue, which is that gardaí need proper equipment and resources. They need radio transmission in their public order gear. Those resources include vehicles. I heard what the Minister said about vehicles but we need to ensure gardaí do not have to catch a bus into town to quell a riot. They need proper support, including support from other gardaí, so they do not feel under-resourced and underprotected. What is going to be done about all the sergeants and gardaí who are coming into town this month and denuding the other units around the city of vital members?

See this speech in context